Encountering Biblical Studies Series (8 vols.)

by Bill T. Arnold; Bryan E. Beyer; C. Hassell Bullock; Andreas J. Köstenberger

and

4 more

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 1998–2015

Overview

Each volume in the Baker Encountering the Bible collection is designed for classroom use and includes a number of helpful features, including a bibliography for further research, a glossary of key terms, chapter objectives, chapter outlines, study questions, and focus boxes. These eight volumes will help students of the Bible understand both the world of the Scriptures and the issues addressed in modern scholarship. The books offer the expertise of renowned biblical scholars through an engaging and down-to-earth presentation. Each volume also provides ample introduction to the modern academic field of biblical studies. With these resources, surveying the books, culture, and context of the Bible is informative and enjoyable.

Key Features

• Focus boxes addressing ethical and theological concerns
• Highlight essays isolating key issues
• Learning objectives and a chapter outline
• End-of-chapter study questions, review questions, and chapter summaries

Product Details

• Title: Baker Encountering the Bible Series
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Volumes: 8
• Pages: 2,522
• Resource Type: Commentaries
• Topic: Bible Backgrounds

Encountering the Book of Genesis

• Author: Bill T. Arnold
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 234

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This accessible introduction to Genesis examines introductory issues, overarching themes, and the argument of the book. This work is designed for the serious student of the Bible—author Bill T. Arnold provides detailed discussions of topics such as authorship, Creation, Abraham’s faith, Jacob’s struggles, Joseph’s time in Egypt, and God’s enduring promises. Chapter outlines, key terms, study questions and sidebar information make this a valuable resource for those engaged in biblical studies.

Arnold’s style is lucid and well-balanced, and the format adopted by the publisher is crisp and user-friendly. This is an important addition to the resources available to a serious student of Genesis.

—Daniel I. Block, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

The strength of [this book] is its balanced coverage, including interpretive, theological, and critical issues. The author is even-handed in dealing with the wide variety of questions raised by the book of Genesis and writes in a style that is both theologically sophisticated and accessible.

—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

May its well-written and readable prose trigger a renewed interest in a balanced and eager study of this most important of Old Testament books.

—Themelios

Bill T. Arnold is director of Hebrew studies and professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including 1 & 2 Samuel, Encountering the Old Testament, and (with John H. Choi) A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. He coedited The Face of Old Testament Studies.

Encountering the Book of Psalms: A Literary and Theological Introduction

• Author: C. Hassell Bullock
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 272

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

According to Hassell Bullock, “No collection of poems has ever exercised as much influence on the Western world as the Book of Psalms.” The attraction for Jews, Christians, and others is surely the personal element that pervades these poems, which describe the human situation in all its complexity. Though the Psalms are perhaps the most familiar portion of the Hebrew Bible, they are also among the most difficult to interpret. As a result, Bullock has created this guide to introduce students to the study and interpretation of the Psalms.

Encountering the Book of Psalms begins by examining literary and hermeneutical dimensions. Bullock discusses the nature, structure, and authorship of the Psalter and provides readers with specific principles for interpretation. He goes on to examine the use of Psalms in worship from the ancient world to the twenty-first century. Bullock further explores how the psalmists used historical reflection to serve their theological purposes, and he concludes by investigating different types of Psalms, including Psalms of praise, lament, and wisdom.

The strengths of the book are many. First, the punctuation of the narrative with helpful charts and diagrams increases understanding and makes the material discussed more enjoyable. Second, while Bullock demonstrates an overall command of the Psalter, he deftly avoids overemphasizing a personal agenda in his interpretation. . . . Third and most importantly, the book does indeed function as a literary and theological introduction to the book of Psalms. Having completed this book, the student will have been introduced to the major theological and literary elements within the Psalter as well as major scholarly contributions on the subject.

—Bradley Embry, Review of Biblical Literature

A scholarly and quite detailed work. . . . It is a helpful, comprehensive, well-written and well-presented introduction to the Book of Psalms. Anyone beginning serious study of the Psalms will find Bullock’s work to be an excellent starting point.

—Jamie Grant, Themelios

This is an excellent summary of information about the various scholarly opinions about the Book of Psalms. . . . The Encountering series is designed to appeal to a modern reader. . . . An excellent introduction to scholarly and devotional approaches to the Psalms. A student or pastor building a personal library should seriously consider adding this volume to his Psalms shelf.

—L. Russ Bush, Southern Baptist Journal of Theology

C. Hassell Bullock Franklin S. Dyrness Professor of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College. He is the author of An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books and An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books.

Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey

• Author: Bryan E. Beyer
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 304

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this volume, Bryan Beyer offers a comprehensive introduction to the book of Isaiah that surveys the book’s content, its meaning in its original context, and its application for people today. Beyer presents the prophet’s recurring themes of remnant, the sovereignty of God, the Day of the Lord, covenant obligations, Messiah, and God and the nations. He pays special attention to Isaiah’s use of geographical issues to illustrate his message, Isaiah’s place in the canon of Scripture, and the implications of the book for mission.

Bryan Beyer has done a service for all those who struggle to understand the complex book of Isaiah. In clear yet engaging prose, he has made the profound theology of the book available to all of us. In addition, he goes the next step, addressing the related questions that study of the book raises. This is the best general handbook to Isaiah that is currently available.

—John N. Oswalt, research professor of Old Testament, Wesley Biblical Seminary

The book of Isaiah is easy to get lost in, so having a knowledgeable guide can be crucial. Bryan Beyer has provided just such a service in this accessible tour of one of the most complex and magisterial books of the canon. His judicious discussions show a depth of knowledge and a balanced assessment of difficult issues. The student of Isaiah will find the book opened up in ways that will promote scholarship as well as faith.

—John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

Bryan E. Beyer is a professor of Old Testament at Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions. He is the author of several books and coeditor of Readings from the Ancient Near East.

Encountering John: The Gospel in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective

• Author: Andreas J. Köstenberger
• Edition: 2nd
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 288

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this updated edition of his successful textbook, leading evangelical New Testament scholar Andreas Köstenberger offers a guide to John’s Gospel that is informed by current scholarship but written at an accessible level. The book has been revised throughout and features a new interior design.

Andreas J. Köstenberger (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior research professor of New Testament and biblical theology and director of PhD studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is the author, editor, or translator of numerous books and editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society.

Encountering the Book of Romans, 2nd ed.

• Author: Douglas J. Moo
• Edition: 2nd
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2014
• Pages: 240

In this updated edition of his successful textbook, a leading evangelical New Testament scholar offers a guide to the book of Romans that is informed by current scholarship and written at an accessible level. The new edition has been updated throughout and features a new interior design. After addressing introductory matters and laying the groundwork for reading Romans, Douglas Moo leads readers through the weighty argument of this significant book, highlighting key themes, clarifying difficult passages, and exploring the continuing relevance of Romans. This book is designed for the undergraduate classroom and includes pedagogical aids such as photos and sidebars.

It is hard to imagine a more reliable guide to Romans than Douglas Moo. His expertise as a commentator is renowned and rightly so. In this work he distills his knowledge in a way that is accessible to the ordinary person. If one wants to become acquainted with Paul’s theology and gospel in Romans, this volume is the perfect place to begin.

—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

This clearly explained, beautifully illustrated introduction to Romans by one of the leading scholars in the field will be immensely useful to anyone interested in the letter. One could not find a more experienced and highly skilled guide through the terrain of Romans than Douglas Moo. The well-chosen maps and photographs and the thoughtfully crafted discussion questions make this book an ideal choice for introductory classes on the letter, Bible study groups, and anyone who wants to understand this engaging and powerful text.

—Frank Thielman, professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School

Douglas Moo is the preeminent evangelical Pauline scholar of our generation. His Encountering the Book of Romans is a wonderful distillation of nearly four decades of solid exegetical work on Paul’s most famous letter. In this updated edition, Moo continues to lead students through the major blocks and themes of the letter in a way that is easy to understand but does not dumb down the sophistication of Paul’s message. The commentary is enhanced with many helpful charts, summaries, tables, and pictures. A great resource for students embarking on a study of Romans for the first time.

—Michael F. Bird, lecturer in theology, Ridley Melbourne Mission and Ministry College

The product of a notable Pauline scholar and an experienced teacher, this textbook provides an excellent and reliable guide to reading Paul’s letter to the Romans. For those encountering this letter for the first time, this work will bring alive Paul's important message for all believers. For those revisiting this letter, this work also serves as a helpful introduction to the scholarly reading of this Pauline letter. Particularly useful are the numerous sidebars that deal with various theological, structural, linguistic, and contextual issues.

—David W. Pao, professor of New Testament and chair of the New Testament Department, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Douglas J. Moo (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is Blanchard Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School. He is the author of several books, including: Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to James.

Encountering the Book of Hebrews

• Author: Donald A. Hagner
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 224

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Although the book of Hebrews “is not exactly what most of us would regard as a user-friendly book,” notes author Donald Hagner, “Hebrews has always been popular among Christians.” This volume was written to help students more fully appreciate the complexities of this favorite section of Scripture. Hagner begins by exploring introductory issues (historical backgrounds, author, audience, date, purpose, structure, and genre) and overarching themes (heavenly archetypes and earthly copies, the use of the Old Testament, and the attitude toward Judaism). The heart of the book then offers a chapter-by-chapter exposition.

Unlike commentaries, this book does not try to be exhaustive, but instead guides students to the issues that are most important for their study. Hagner concludes with a final look at the contribution of Hebrews to the New Testament, New Testament theology, the church, and the individual Christian.

Donald Hagner’s Encountering the Book of Hebrews is a splendid treatment of one of the most important, though probably one of the most difficult, New Testament writings. It is not a verse-by-verse commentary but a section-by-section assessment of the argument and issues of the book. It reflects extensive and detailed investigation and is user-friendly in style and expression, with helpful sidebars, excursuses, charts, tables, photographs, bibliographies, and study questions . . . this informed and engaging exposition also deserves careful study by all earnest, inquiring Christians.

—Richard N. Longenecker, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary

This thoughtful, well-documented, and attractively produced study should help undergraduate-level students come to terms with a writing which, as the author admits, most people do not initially regard as user-friendly.

—Paul Ellingworth, lecturer, University of Aberdeen

Designedly user-friendly and easy to find your way about. . . . The content is admirable. Hagner’s impressive familiarity both with Judaica and with post-apostolic Christian literature is brought to bear in the most accessible and enriching way. . . . It is meaty, rather than easy reading, but there is constant nourishment for the intelligent, well-motivated reader.

—Themelios

Donald A. Hagner is the George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament and chairman of the New Testament department at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he has taught for over 20 years. He is the author of highly regarded commentaries on Matthew (Word Biblical Commentary: Vol. 33a & Vol. 33b) and Hebrews (New International Biblical Commentary) as well as several other books.

Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey, 3rd ed.

• Authors: Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer
• Edition: 3rd
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 512

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This new edition of a bestselling evangelical survey of the Old Testament (over 180,000 copies sold) has been thoroughly updated and features a beautiful new interior design. It is lavishly illustrated with four-color images, maps, and charts and retains the pedagogical features that have made the book so popular:

• chapter outlines, objectives, and summaries
• study questions
• sidebars featuring primary source material, ethical and theological issues, and contemporary applications
• lists of key terms, people, and places
• further reading recommendations
• endnotes and indexes

Arnold and Beyer have produced an exciting new survey of the Old Testament with the college student specifically in mind. They have masterfully designed their work with text and graphics in a way that will not only grip the student’s attention but will guide students through the material with their expert touch. I enthusiastically recommend this volume to you.

—Tremper Longman III, professor of Old Testament, Westmont College

The authors are commended for providing their readers with a lucid survey of the Old Testament. They cover a wide array of issues in an easy to read text. Complex issues receive a balanced treatment. The illustrations, sidebars, glossary, and study questions open up the relevance of the biblical text both in its ancient context and in our modern situation. A very useful volume.

—Willem A. VanGemeren, professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, Trinity International University

The college-level students for whom this is written will find that this is truly what it claims to be: a textbook aimed at them. It is not the generic, all-purpose work that is too often produced, aimed at all (college and seminary students, pastors, scholars, and interested laypeople) and succeeding at hitting very few. Arnold and Beyer are well-versed in their fields and they succeed at explicating the message of the Old Testament in clear, readable style. A fine, college-level survey that sets a high standard for all such surveys in the future.

—David M. Howard Jr., professor of Old Testament, Bethel Theological Seminary

Encountering the Old Testament is packed with data, but is not cluttered. An abundance of visuals, including charts that clearly summarize complex issues, together with a most inviting format whet the appetite for study. Hardly could an inquisitive student ask for better guidance.

—Elmer Martens, president emeritus, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary

For college students who are encountering the Old Testament for the first time, this attractively produced textbook offers a clear and helpful orientation to the world and literature of the Old Testament. The full-color photographs and maps, as well as the user-friendly charts, sidebars, and review aids, combine to invite everyone who opens this book to begin reading it immediately--a refreshing improvement over the standard textbook fare!

—Richard Schultz, professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

Bill T. Arnold (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is a professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Encountering the Book of Genesis, Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax, and a commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel.

Bryan E. Beyer (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is a professor of Old Testament at Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions. He is the author of Encountering the Book of Isaiah and coeditor (with Bill Arnold) of Readings from the Ancient Near East.

Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey, 3rd ed.

• Authors: Robert W. Yarbrough and Walter A. Elwell
• Edition: 3rd
• Series: Encountering Biblical Studies
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 448

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Studying the New Testament can be an exciting—and intimidating—experience. This readable survey is designed to make the adventure less daunting and more rewarding. Two experienced classroom teachers offer a new edition of their bestselling and award-winning textbook. This resource includes sidebars that address ethical and theological concerns and provide primary source material, focus boxes isolating key issues, chapter outlines, learning objectives, summaries, and study questions. Students of the New Testament will find this introductory text both informative and engaging.

Images aren’t included in this resource.

With this textbook we have arrived at an entirely new era in theological publishing. This volume is a production masterpiece . . . This textbook has so many strengths that it may well become the standard for the next generation of teaching college and university freshmen in the United States.

—Craig Blomberg, Themelios

An excellent evangelical Bible survey resource. This volume does more than simply present the content of each New Testament book. Historical, cultural, and geographical backgrounds are interwoven to help readers understand the broader context in which Scripture must be understood . . . Easy to read and visually pleasing, this volume includes many features both teachers and students will find useful . . . This is a good resource for students and lifelong learners alike.

—Pam Betker, Bibliotheca Sacra

Robert W. Yarbrough (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is chair of the New Testament Department and an associate professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author of Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–3 John.

Walter A. Elwell (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is an emeritus professor of biblical and theological studies at Wheaton College. He has edited numerous biblical reference works, including the Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible and the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology.